|
|
Abdominoplasty, most commonly called 'tummy tuck,' is a procedure
in which the muscles of the abdomen are tightened and excess skin
is removed to recontour the abdomen. While the procedure is most
commonly performed in women to restore body shape following damage
from pregnancy, men and women who have lost large amounts of
weight (usually in excess of 100 pounds) may need this procedure
also.
Patients considering this procedure should remember that all
plastic surgery involving an incision leaves some kind of scar,
and the scar in this surgery is one of the longest we ever make.
Also, if the problem is only one of excess fat on the abdomen,
with good skin quality and muscle tone, then suction lipectomy is
a better choice for the patient, since the scars from that surgery
are tiny, by comparison.
Another consideration is that pregnancy after abdominoplasty, if
the muscles are to be tightened, is STRONGLY discouraged. We
usually recommend tubal ligation either prior to or at the same
time as abdominoplasty, having your own gynecologist come in for
this part of the surgery.
Before we leave the subject of the scar, we need to describe it
for you. It begins at the hip bone on the lower abdomen, runs down
the groin crease to the pubic hairline, across and up the other
groin crease to the opposite hip bone. In addition, a circular or
elliptical scar surrounds the belly button. The belly button, or
navel, is not actually moved during the surgery, but is cut
around, with the skin being pulled down and redraped, and the
navel brought through a new site in the skin. If it were attached
to your backbone, it would rest in the same place at the end of
the surgery.
The surgery is done as an outpatient procedure, although sometimes
patients stay overnight at the surgery center for '23-hour'
recovery. The operation itself takes three or four hours, and is
done under general anesthesia. Usually we place an elastic binder
over the abdomen for support and protection. This binder may be
removed for bathing, etc., but is otherwise worn for about three
weeks. Most people need a pair of soft rubber drain tubes to
collect late oozing of blood and serum and to prevent excessive
swelling. These are usually removed about 48 hours after surgery,
during a visit to the office.
Time off from work after this operation varies, depending on one's
job description. While many patients feel well enough to do light
office work after a week, usually a two-week minimum is
recommended before returning to office jobs, two or three weeks
minimum before driving a car or doing serious stair climbing, etc.
For those whose jobs are more physical, up to six weeks MAY be
needed.
One of the more common questions asked is, 'Will my medical
insurance pay for this?' Unfortunately, the best answer we can
give is, 'Maybe.' In order for insurance to pay, the patient must
have such weakness of the abdominal wall that a true hernia is
present. Pictures are typically taken and sent to the insurance
company review board. Sometimes a second opinion is required. A
month or more of time may be needed for the predetermination
process. After an examination in our office, we will be happy to
evaluate your chances of success in pursuing this approach.
Attempting to circumvent the rules in such cases constitutes
fraud, and we will not participate in such endeavors.
To schedule an appointment to discuss this procedure with Dr.
Johnson, click here.
|
|
|
